Nurses' compliance with American Cancer Society guidelines for cancer prevention and detection

This study aimed to ascertain the extent to which female nurses comply with American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines and whether their rate of compliance is related to either age or education. A sample of 3,226 Florida nurses received the Health Habits Assessment Survey (HHAS), a nine-item questionnaire that assesses compliance with selected ACS guidelines. A total of 559 usable forms were received from female nurses. Results indicated that only 28% of RNs practice breast self-examination (BSE) monthly. Of nurses 40-49 years old, 64% reported having a mammogram in the past two years. In the over-50 group, 57% reported having a mammogram in the past year. Only 21% reported no Pap smear in the past year (and no hysterectomy). Only 47% of RNs over 40 reported a digital rectal exam in the past year. Of RNs over 50, only 47% reported having their stools examined for blood during the previous year, and only 19% had a proctosigmoidoscopic exam in the past five years. Thirty-five percent reported using sunscreen all or most of the time, while another 27% reported using sunscreen 50%-90% of the time. No significant relationships were found between cancer prevention and detection practices and either age or educational level. Results suggest that RNs are not doing all they could to protect themselves against cancer.